The Merchant Of Venice by William Shakespeare

The Comical History of the Merchant of Venice

written by William Shakespeare

PORTIA "The quality of mercy is not strained.

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:

It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.

'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes

The throned monarch better than his crown.

His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,

The attribute to awe and majesty,

Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;

But mercy is above this sceptred sway."

Act IV Scene I